This Iconic Holiday Event in Pennsylvania is the One Thing You Must Do This Season

We've all got our annual holiday traditions, and many revolve around iconic TV specials and movies. Some have to see Charlie Brown's underdog tree, and the holidays aren't here for some until Rudolph's shiny nose leads the way for Santa's sleigh. For me, the story of Ebenezer Scrooge's Yuletide redemption will never grow old, and I can usually be found at a theater production of "A Christmas Carol" every December. But there's one thing better than seeing it on stage: experiencing it as Charles Dickens' iconic tale takes over an entire town square. The small town of Wellsboro, population 3,400, hosts the best Dickens Christmas in Pennsylvania, and this year they're celebrating the 40th anniversary of Dickens of a Christmas. It will be held on Dec. 7, 2024, and it truly is a must-visit for anyone who wants to see those three spirits get their man.

When Dickens of a Christmas comes to town on Dec. 7, Wellsboro's Main Street will undergo a spectacular transformation. The beloved event brings the story of Ebenezer Scrooge to life, and residents and visitors will be thrilled by a unique Victorian atmosphere filled with talented performers and an elaborate Christmas market. The entire area will be closed to traffic, so it's an amazing and safe environment for families.

Many vendors have been on-site for years, and this is the ideal place to find that perfect gift or Christmas tree with a small-town touch. Food and drink vendors are on hand, so there will be plenty of delectable treats in which to indulge. The town is full of local talent, and you can look forward to the Hamilton-Gibson choirs performing outdoors. And, of course, a local production of "A Christmas Carol" will be held several times throughout the day at theaters around town. We have a good feeling about this Scrooge guy this year. It all ends with a grand Christmas tree lighting to kick off the holiday season in style.

Have you attended Dickens of a Christmas in Wellsboro? If not, tell a friend and discover the best Dickens Christmas in Pennsylvania for the first time! There are more events than ever this year, so visit the Wellsboro website for the full event details. And while you're in the area, the world-famous Pine Creek Gorge, the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, is less than an hour away. It might be a bit of a drive getting to Wellsboro, so the charming Penn Wells Lodge awaits anyone who wants to spend the night.